Page 77 of Love Me Till Wednesday

‘Hi Jim,’ Nick said. ‘And who might you be?’ he added, crouching down to get to the girl’s level.

‘I’m Sophie. Pleased to meet you.’ She let go of Jim and held out her right hand for Nick to shake. He helpfully obliged. ‘Can I call you Grandpa?’ she asked.

He nodded, trying not to tear up. ‘I’d love that.’

‘Come and say hello to Nanny.’ She held his hand as he stood up. She led him into the house while Jim followed.

Lisa was standing by the sink, drying her hands. ‘Hiya,’ she said, smiling. God, how he loved that smile. Every time he saw it, he felt young again. She was happy to see him, which was a relief.

‘Nanny, this is my Grandpa,’ Sophie said proudly.

‘Yes, darling, I know.’

It all felt surreal.

‘I hope you like venison,’ Lisa said. ‘As it’s our last Sunday lunch here, I thought I’d push the boat out.’

‘Our last one?’ Sophie looked horrified.

‘We’ll still have Sunday lunches. Just not in this house.’

‘When do you move?’ Nick asked.

‘A week on Friday. Don’t worry. I’ll give you my new address.’

Was that a dig? He couldn’t blame her if it was.

‘I brought a contribution.’ Nick handed over a bottle of his favourite claret.

Lisa raised her eyebrows as she read the label. ‘I won’t be putting this in the gravy. ‘

‘It might be a waste,’ Nick said as she put it on the table.

‘Let me introduce you to the rest of the gang,’ Lisa said as a young woman who looked a lot like her walked into the kitchen.

‘You must be Elise,’ Nick said.

‘Yep.’ She was weighing him up. ‘And you’re obviously the famous Mr Nick Nixon.’

‘According to some people. I’m happy with Nick.’

‘And this is Ally, Jim’s fiancée. And the gorgeous Grace.’

Nick recognised Ally from the photo album. She gave him a welcoming smile. Grace glared at him suspiciously while sucking her thumb.

‘I’d give you a hug,’ Ally said, ‘but someone’s being a bit clingy today. Would you like to hold her so I can help Lisa?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Nick held out his arms. Grace looked unsure about the idea as Ally passed her over. Please don’t let her cry.

‘Hi, sweetheart,’ he said as he settled Grace on his hip. She continued to stare at him for a moment, then took her thumb out of her mouth and blew a raspberry at him.

‘Sorry, it’s her new thing,’ Jim said.

Nick chuckled. ‘Two can play at that game.’ He blew a raspberry back at her. She giggled. He blew another one but against her cheek this time, which elicited more adorable giggles.

‘Looks like you’ve made a new friend,’ Lisa said, smiling at them both.

They were all finishing their main course when Lisa heard her phone buzz. A text from Mel.

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